Talking Points: Morecambe end season with York stalemate

Adam Lord

Reporter Adam Lord takes a closer look at Morecambe’s 1-1 draw with York on the final day of the season.

And that’s that...a wretched season comes to an end

On arrival at the Globe Arena it seemed most people were glad it was the final afternoon of the 2015-2016 season. You can’t really blame them. The stalemate with already relegated York, who finished bottom of the Football League with the 1-1 draw, means Jim Bentley’s side end the season without a win in seven and just two wins from their final 21 games. Since Christmas the season has had a habit of plunging new depths week on week. Luke Summerfield’s goal looked like it might set the visitors on their way to completing a double over The Shrimps, in what would almost have been a fitting way to end a wretched campaign. But Jamie Devitt’s stunning 25-yard strike capped a fine season for the Irishman and gave the Globe Arena fans, who haven’t had much to cheer about, something to celebrate. It wasn’t a bad game on a day where real end of season fare was to be expected but most were glad it was game number 46 of a season to forget.

How many players left the Globe for the final time?

Much of the debate along the press bench pre-match was about which of The Shrimps players would be lining up in red and black for the final time. Bentley finds himself in new territory. Always keen to do business early The Shrimps boss is approaching his toughest summer of his five years in charge with ownership uncertainty hitting his ability to tie players down. Usually a man who adopts a five in, five out, kind of approach, Bentley sent his side out against York knowing he had just eight players under contract ahead of next season. After a nightmare 2016 it hardly looks like a recipe for success on the field but with postponements and FA Cup exits having hit the coffers it looks like a case of needs must. With new owners seemingly waiting in the wings it is a crucial few weeks at the Globe Arena with Morecambe’s Football League future on the line with the likes of Jamie Devitt and Shaun Miller amongst those free to leave the club. If investment doesn't come what is a talented squad, certainly on paper, might have to be ripped up as Bentley has his budget cut again.

Decade in Football League should be celebrated

It may have been miserable at times but Morecambe will line up for their 10th Football League season on August 6. How many who enjoyed that day at Wembley back in 2007 truly thought The Shrimps would be where they are now? Yes, it’s been a horrible season, but the wider context is that as nice as the play-offs would be, Football League status is the be all and end all. The visit of already relegated York on the final day was a timely reminder of that. The 10th season promises to be an interesting one with the next few weeks and months having a big say in how it will go. A whole host of new players? New owners? Who knows.